This blog follows a group of family and friends that love to explore and experience adventure. Through various options of travel whether by car, ATV, Jeep, or just a plain old pair of hiking boots we look for fun and exciting ways to learn about our world. Come along and get inspired. You might just find your own route to adventure.

Friday, February 5, 2016

The Land Of The Red Rocks

Are a traveler looking for adventure? Maybe you're looking for good weather and movie quality scenery. Would you be interested in a place with two national parks and a state park within less than an hour of your hotel room. If any of this sounds good to you then keep reading as I introduce you to what is hands down my favorite place on Earth.
Moab, Utah is everything I've mentioned and more and since I mentioned earlier this week that many of March's post will deal a lot with Moab, I wanted to give you an idea as to what Moab offers before March hits.
This town is truly a hub for adventure. There isn't a direction you can point where you won't find some type of recreation and if someone out there can tell me of another place that can boast such claims then please let me know because I want to visit.
Mountain bikers will be challenged by the world renowned Slick Rock Bike trail where you will be tested by steep slick rock domes and bowls as you traverse the twelve mile route. I'm told that you may be exhausted by the end of this unique trail (I wouldn't know first hand because well, I'm lazy.)
Okay, if mountain biking isn't your thing maybe you would like to take on rafting the mighty Colorado River. From Moab you can access all types of rapids from the mild waters of the Fischer Towers section all the up to the wild class IV rapids of Cataract Canyon. Don't want to go it alone? There are plenty of guides in town that would love to take you out for a great time.

Balanced Rock, Arches National Park, Utah

If a hike or scenic drive is more for you then you need to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Guest to these parks are left to marvel at the awesome power of mother nature as you learn of how wind and water erosion created some of the most unique and beautiful landmarks the world has to offer. The three mile round trip hike to Delicate Arch is one of my favorite despite some steep sections that can make some of us that are a little out of shape second guess our decisions.
Canyonlands is broken into three sections and if you visit the Island in the Sky portion (the furthest north) you can view something special. Less than 170,000 years ago (says some science guys) a meteor came crashing into what is now referred to as Upheaval Dome. This spot interests me the most in Canyonlands because I can still remember when they were still debating on whether or not this was a meteor impact or an ancient salt deposit pushing up through the Earth. The signage explains it better so go check it out.
Of course there are many other things to see and do in the Moab area but the one that has brought me and my family back year after year (this will be twenty seven) is the Easter Jeep Safari. Moab is described as the "mecca" of four wheeling because of it's endless amounts of trails to explore and of course the well organized Jeep Safari event that is hosted annually by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers, Inc.
Thousands of off road enthusiasts converge upon Moab for nine days each spring to take guided tours through the slick rock. They get to experience beautiful overlooks, towering sandstone cliffs, challenging roads, and they forge friendships with like minded people from all around the world. Yes I said world. People come from all over to experience what Moab has to offer and I encourage you to do the same.
So, can I talk you into visiting my quiet little getaway? I've given you an idea of the adventures waiting for you. What are you waiting for? Heck bring your Jeep and I may even head down with you. I'm a sucker for a good time.
Okay, okay I'd better stop now. I'm starting to sound like a commercial or something which I'm not because commercials are paid for (go ahead and send a check if you want though.) Next week we talk cameras folks. Get out there this weekend and have some fun!